Kids Fitting Guide

Feet are being shaped as soon as the baby starts its development, so it's no surprise that the first few months and years are critical to your child's feet development. At SoleLution, we have a range of options available with our fitting experts to ensure you find the perfect fit. Try our in-store or virtual fitting services, and take a look at our top fitting tips below.

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Virtual Fitting Service

Can't make it instore but still want to ensure your children are wearing the right fitting shoes? SoleLution can help thanks to our virtual
shoe fitting service.

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In-Store Fitting

Book an in-person fitting appointment for your child with one of our friendly experts. Available at our stores in Clifton and Portishead.

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Top Tips

We've pulled together some of our top tips for getting the perfect fit for your child, from baby to young explorer.

Baby Feet

Sitting Comfortably

Newborn babies' feet are very underdeveloped. Many of the 26 bones in each foot are still very soft - like the cartilage on the end of your nose. What you put your baby's feet in now - socks, booties, sleepsuits - will affect how your child's feet develop.

Top Tips for Tiny Feet

While your baby is small and up to the time they are ready to walk, try to:

  • Keep socks loose around the foot.
  • Stick to natural materials for baby - they let feet breathe.
  • Ensure there's plenty of room for those little toes to wiggle in sleepsuits/bed clothes.
  • Encourage your baby to kick around, this will help muscles develop.

At this important stage, barefoot is best!

Baby's First Steps

And They're Off

Ahhhh! This is where the fun starts for baby - and the exercise starts for you! You're sat down for two minutes and before you know it, you're up chasing after your child! At this stage, barefoot is still best, as with each step your little one takes, messages are sent from sensors on the bottom of the foot to the brain - helping your child balance and gain confidence to walk. However, we know (we're parents too) you'll want to ensure your child's feet are protected, especially when you're outside. This is where 'pre-walkers' are an option as the materials are very soft and flexible - but they are no substitute for bare feet.

Top Tips for Cruising Kids

Once your child is cruising and it's time to buy that first pair of shoes:

  • Always ensure a trained fitter measures, fits and checks your child's shoes.
  • Foot growth is sporadic so regular checks are important (at this stage we would recommend every 6-8 weeks). If you're unsure, pop in - we'll never try to sell you a pair of shoes if your child doesn't need them.
  • Every shoe is different - there's no standard fitting - our trained fitters at SoleLution use a gauge as a guide and then in-depth knowledge of the stock to ensure a perfect fit.
  • Never let your child wear the shoes as soon as they leave the shop. It's far better to let them try them out at home with socks and on carpet. Inspect their feet afterwards. If you're not happy with the fit, you can return the shoes to us for an exchange or refund (you'll need proof of purchase and the original box).
Toddler Walking

Going Solo

Now your child is gathering speed and walking without holding onto you, or the next available object! This is when they need their first 'real' pair of shoes. Wow! SoleLution stocks a range of brands including Start-rite, Hush Puppies, Ricosta, Ecco and GEOX - great for confident little walkers.

Top Tips for Young Explorers

Once your child is walking confidently and it's time to buy that first pair of 'real' shoes:

  • Always ensure a trained fitter measures, fits and checks your child's shoes.
  • Foot growth is sporadic so regular checks are important (at this stage we would recommend every 6-8 weeks). If you're unsure, pop in - we'll never try to sell you a pair of shoes if your child doesn't need them.
  • Every shoe is different - there's no standard fitting - our trained fitters at SoleLution use a gauge as a guide and then in-depth knowledge of the stock to ensure a perfect fit.
  • Never let your child wear the shoes as soon as they leave the shop. It's far better to let them try them out at home with socks and on carpet. Inspect their feet afterwards. If you're not happy with the fit, you can return the shoes to us for an exchange or refund (you'll need proof of purchase and the original box).
Child Walking

Best Foot Forward

Your little angel is really finding their feet. At this stage, the way a child moves changes from the clumsy toddling to more dexterous strides. However, your child is still flat footed, so that cute clumsiness you know and love isn't about to disappear completely. This is why flexible shoes are still important. You'll need shoes that are soft yet robust - after all, they're about to take some punishment. And you've probably noticed your child's developed fashion sense - don't worry, we stock a range cool enough to satisfy even the most discerning mini fashionista!

Top Tips for Young Explorers

Our 'too cool for school' tips:

  • Always ensure a trained fitter measures, fits and checks your child's shoes.
  • Foot growth is sporadic so regular checks are important (at this stage we would recommend every 6-8 weeks). If you're unsure, pop in - we'll never try to sell you a pair of shoes if your child doesn't need them.
  • Every shoe is different - there's no standard fitting - our trained fitters at SoleLution use a gauge as a guide and then in-depth knowledge of the stock to ensure a perfect fit.
  • Never let your child wear the shoes as soon as they leave the shop. It's far better to let them try them out at home with socks and on carpet. Inspect their feet afterwards. If you're not happy with the fit, you can return the shoes to us for an exchange or refund (you'll need proof of purchase and the original box).